Portable, convertible chair cradle for child



Sept. 18, 1962 s. M. PAMBELLO 3,054,637

PORTABLE, CONVERTIBLE CHAIR CRADLE FOR CHILD Filed Sept. 6; 1960 3Sheets-Sheet l Array/V695 Sept. 18, 1962 s. M. PAMBELLO 3,054,637

PORTABLE, CONVERTIBLE CHAIR CRADLE FOR CHILD Filed Sept. 6, 1960 5Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR. .JAMaEZ M. P/IMJELLO Sept. 18, 1962 s. M.PAMBELLO PORTABLE, CONVERTIBLE CHAIR CRADLE FOR CHILD Filed Sept. 6,1960 S Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. JAMVEL A7. fil /M55110 3,54,637 PatentedSept. 18, 1962 My invention relates to a device for supporting an infantor small child. More particularly, the device comprises a portableconvertible chair-cradle to support an infant or small child therein forconvenient, comfortable and safe handling when it is desired to carrythe child on ones back, papoose style, in ones arms, or to position theinfant in seated or lying position whether it be utilized in the homewith swivel straps removed, or out-doors as a transportation vehicle.With my novel portable unit a child can be carried by one person or theportable unit can be carried in a sling position between two people.

Parents and other people attending infants or small children encountermuch inconvenience in providing a comfortable and safe posture for theinfant while at the same time affording themselves sufiicient time andfreedom to meet the demands of other activities, such as householdtasks, travel, entertainment or other needs requiring the attention ofthe person caring for the infant.

While various devices exist for handling infants in the situations setforth, none of them approach the convenience, safety and comfortprovided by my device.

The various features of my device provide complete comfort and safetyfor the infant regardless of the demands as to posture imposed by theneeds of the infant such as sleep, play, or feeding; or those imposed onthe infant as a consequence of the person caring for the infant todevote attention to other affairs.

Another objects of the present invention is to provide a device which isquickly and conveniently adaptable to support the infant in any posturebetween that of lying or sitting positions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device forcomfortably and safely supporting an infant in a lying, sitting, orintermediate position while providing for both the comfort and safety ofthe infant and the convenience of the person caring for the infant.

A particular object of my invention is to provide a supporting devicefor an infant or small child having a back supporting member and a seatand leg supporting member which can be positioned to afford comfort tothe infant whether in a lying, seated or intermediate position, and adevice which can be easily and conveniently secured to a chair,automobile seat, positioned on a bed or on the floor or ground while theinfant remains in a seated position position, lying position or anyintermediate position, and a device which comfortably and safelysupports the child while it is carried on a persons back or in theirarms or between two people.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom the following description of the invention taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims defining theinventive concepts present in my device, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of my deviceadjusted to support an infant in a sitting position.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG- URE I adjusted tosupport an infant in a lying position.

FIGURE 3 is a view showing details of the adjusting means.

' FIGURES 4 and 5 are views showing details of the means for attachingcarrying or supporting straps on the device.

FIGURES 6 and 7 are views showing, respectively, the

manner in which the device may be used in conjunction with a chair orautomobile seat and how the device is adaptable for carrying an infanton a persons back.

FIGURE 8 is a view showing details of means for supporting the device ina reclining or seated position on the floor or ground, and

FIGURE 9 is a view showing another modification of my device.

FIGURE 10 is a view showing how my novel chaircradle can be used as ahammock.

FIGURE 11 is a view showing how the device can be used as a cradle to becarried by one person.

FIGURE 12 is a view of my novel device showing how it can be made into ahammock to be carried by two persons.

FIGURE 13 is a view of my device showing how it can be placed in afolded position for storage.

FIGURE 14 is a view of my device showing the position of the straps forcarrying a child in a seated position. This device with straparrangement illustrated can be carried by one person.

Briefly described, my convertible infant or child supporting device, asshown in FIGURES 1 and 9, comprises a seat and leg supporting member 10,a back and head supporting member 11, adjustable positioning means 12for fixing members 10 and 11 in any desired angular relationship,carrying or securing straps 13, and straps 14 for securing the infant orchild in the device. The seat and back members are formed ofchannel-like sections having side flanges which are tapered at the endsand are dimensioned to permit them to telescope when the device isadjusted to the folded position to permit easy handling or storage ofthe device.

In detail, the modification of my device shown in FIG- URES 1-5comprises a channel-shaped member 10 for supporting the seat and legs ofthe infant and a second channel-shaped member 11 for supporting the backand head of the infant. Each section is formed with integral sideflanges 15 for comfortably restricting movements of the infant. Bothmembers are provided with carrying straps 13 for securing the device toa chair, automobile seat or to a persons back in the manner shown inFIG- URES 6 and 7, respectivly. An additional set of straps 14 areprovided on each member for securing the infant in the device. Straps 13are attached to swivel pins 37 by a clip 41.

In the modification of my device shown in FIGURE 1, the two members 10and 11 are joined together in a pivotal dove-tail arrangement by theadjustable positioning means 12. The dovetail lugs 18 and 19 areprovided with openings 20 for passage of rod 21. This arrangement joinsthe members but permits pivotal adjustment to any desired angularrelationship by means of the adjustment means 12.

The adjustment means 12 is formed of rod 21 extending through theopenings 20 in the dove-tail lugs 18 and 19 on the adjacent edges ofseat and back members 10 and 11, locking members 22 and 23 havingcooperating splines 27, and knurled nuts 24 which are threaded to eachend of the rod 21.

Locking members 22 and 23 each have a wing section 28 that is slidablyreceived in recesses 29 in members 10 and 11. Additionally, members 22and 23 have cooperating splinedsections 27 which are slidably disposedon rod 21. This arrangement allows splines 27 to lock members 22 and 2-3in any desired angular position when knurled nuts 24- are tightened. Theseat and back members 1t) and 11 are caused to assume the same angularrelationship as locking members 22 and 23 because of the couplingbetween wing sections 28 of the locking members and the seat and backmembers afforded by recesses 29. This adjustability of the device makesit possible to fit the support to any posture to be assumed by theinfant and also, by minor adjustment, to fit the support to the surfaceon which it is to be placed, such as the ground, chair or automobileseat. This reduces the possibility of accidental tipping of the devicedue to the support rocking because of a poor fit between the support andthe surface on which it is placed.

Straps 14 are provided for securing the infant in the device. They areprovided with cooperating buckle and buckle receiving ends, 29 and 30,respectively.

Straps 16 are secured to the device by means of swivel nuts 31 shown inFIGURES 4 and 5. These straps are used to attach the device to a seat asshown in FIGURE 6 or to a persons back as shown in FIGURE 7. They canalso be used to support the device in hammock fashion in a car orbetween two people or any two fixed objects.

Swivel nut assemblies 31 comprise members 32 and 35 which havecooperating threaded portions 33 and 35. Yoke members 37 are pivotallyattached to swivel nut members 35 by the end portions received inopenings 38 to accommodate positioning of the straps as required by theuse of the device.

The ends of straps 14 are provided with spring clasps shown as 39. Theclasps consist of rigid members 40 having strap receiving ends 41, yokereceiving ends 42, and a leaf spring member 43 for locking the clasp tothe yoke member.

As seen in FIGURE 6, brackets 44 can be provided to attach the device toa chair or car seat 45. The brackets 44 cooperate with an integrallyformed hook portion 46 at the top of back member 11.

An additional feature of my invention is shown in FIGURE 8. Slidemembers 47 can be provided for sup porting the device on the fioor orground while the infant is in a sitting position. The slides 47 arereceived in integrally formed recesses 48 in the seat member Where theycan be stored when not in use.

The numerous novel features of my device are seen in FIGURES -14. InFIGURE 10 the straps 16 have been arranged to permit the device to beused as a hammock. In FIGURE 11 the straps are arranged to permit thedevice to be used as a cradle that can be carried by one person whereasFIGURE 12 illustrates still a third arrangement of straps =16 so thatthe hammock can be carried by two persons. FIGURE 13 illustrates how thedevice is folded into a compact unit for easy storage and FIGURE 14shows a strap arrangement which can be used when one person carries thechild in a seated position.

Another modification of my device is shown in FIG- URE 9 wherein thedove-tailed pivotal members of sections 10 and 11 are replaced by anintegrally formed hinge comprising flexible folding portions 49. The rod21 is accommodated in slot 50 between folding portions 49 and thefianges 28 of locking members 22 and 23 are received in slots 29 similarto those in the modification of FIGURE 1. It is to be understood thatthe device of FIGURE 9 embodies all the features of the device of FIGURE1, such as, the carrying and infant supporting straps and the slidemembers shown in FIGURE 8.

The back and seat members of the forms of my device shown in FIGURES 1and 9 can be made of flexible plastic materials such as polyethylene.Also the device of FIG- URE 1 could be made of rigid materials, such asWood, pressed fibers, or metal.

The comfort of the infant can be further assured by providing a lightweight mattress of usual material as shown by dashed lines 51 in FIGURE9.

While specific embodiments of the improved device have been disclosed inthe foregoing description, it will be understood that various othermodifications within the spirit of the invention may occur to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that no limitation beplaced on the invention except as defined by the scope of the appendedclaims.

I claim:

1. A device for supporting an infant or small child in a lying, sittingor intermediate position comprising a first channel-shaped member forsupporting the seat and legs of the infant or child, a secondchannel-shaped member for supporting the back and head of the infant orchild, connecting means pivotally joining adjacent ends of said firstand second members whereby the first and second members can be pivotedto a desired position between a first position in which each member liesin substantially a common plane and a second position in which the firstand second members closely confront each other in a folded relationship,and adjustment means in axial alignment with said connecting meanscooperating with said first and second members for fixedly securing andholding said first and second members in said first or second positions,or in any desired intermediate position; said adjustment means includingfirst and second locking members, each having a central section, and awinged section extending therefrom, said first and second wingedsections in register with openings in said first and second membersrespectively; the angular separation of said first and second wingedsections corresponding to the angular separation of said first andsecond members; said first and second central sections interconnceted tomaintain the angular separation of their respective winged sections,whereby the desired one of said first, second or intermediate positionsis maintained.

2. A device for supporting an infant or small child in a lying, sittingor intermediate position comprising a first channel-shaped member forsupporting the seat and legs of the infant or child, a secondchannel-shaped member for supporting the back and head of the infant orchild, connecting means pivotally joining adjacent ends of said firstand second members whereby the first and second members can be pivotedto a desired position between a first position in which each member liesin substantially a common plane and a second position in which the firstand second members closely confront each other in a folded relationship,and adjustment means in axial alignment with said connecting meanscooperating with said first and second members for fixedly securing andholding said first and second members in said first or second positions,or in any desired intermediate position, wherein said connecting meansis integral with said first and second members; said adjustment meansincluding first and second locking members, each having a centralsection, and a winged section extending therefrom, said first and secondwinged sections in register with openings in said first and secondmembers respectively; the angular separation of said first and secondwinged sections corresponding to the angular separation of said firstand second members; said first and second central sectionsinterconnected to maintain the angular separation of their respectivewinged sections, whereby the desired one of said first, second orintermediate positions is maintained.

3. A device for supporting an infant or small child in a lying, sittingor intermediate position comprising a first channel-shaped member forsupporting the seat and legs of the infant or child, a secondchannel-shaped member for supporting the back and head of the infant orchild, connecting means pivotally joining adjacent ends of said firstand second members whereby the first and second members can be pivotedto a desired position between a first position in which each member liesin substantially a common plane and a second position in which the firstand second members closely confront each other in a folded relationship,and adjustment means in axial alignment with said connecting meanscooperating with said first and second members for fixedly securing andholding said first and second members in said first or second positions,or in any desired intermediate position, securing means being attachedto each of said first and second members for attaching the device to aperson or object carrying the device; said adjustment means includingfirst and second locking members, each having a central section, and awinged section extending therefrom, said first and second wingedsections in register with openings in said first and second membersrespectively; the angular separation of said first and second wingedsections corresponding to the angular separation of said first andsecond members; said first and second central sections interconnected tomaintain the angular separation of their respective winged sections,whereby the desired one of said first, second or intermediate positionsis maintained; the opposite ends of said securing means being swivelmounted to non-adjacent end regions of said first and second members.

4. A device for supporting an infant or small child in a lying, sittingor intermediate position comprising a first channel-shaped member forsupporting the seat and legs of the infant or child, a secondchannel-shaped member for supporting the back and head of the infant orchild, connecting means pivotally joining adjacent ends of said firstand second members whereby the first and second members can be pivotedto a desired position between a first position in which each member liesin substantially a common plane and a second position in which the firstand second members closely confront each other in a folded relationship,and adjustment means in axial alignment with said connecting meanscooperating with said first and second members for fixedly securing andholding said first and second members in said first or second positions,or in any desired intermediate position; said device being operativelyconstructed with an integral hook portion adapted to receive a bracketto thereby enable said device to be supported on a car seat; said hookportion extending forward from the top of said second member, above thechannel-enclosed volume defined by said second member, thereby servingas a head protector for an infant or small child; said adjustment meansincluding first and second locking members, each having a centralsection, and a winged section extending therefrom, said first and secondwinged sections in register with openings in said first and secondmembers respectively; the angular separation of said first and secondwinged sections corresponding to the angular separation of said firstand second members; said first and second central sectionsinterconnected to maintain the angular separation of their respectivewinged sections, whereby the desired one of said first, second orintermediate positions is maintained.

5. A device for supporting an infant or small child in a lying, sittingor intermediate position comprising a first channel-shaped member forsupporting the seat and legs of the infant or child, a secondchannel-shaped member for supporting the back and head of the infant orchild, connecting means pivotally joining adjacent ends of said firstand second members whereby the first and second members can be pivotedto a desired position between a first position in which each member liesin substantially a common plane and a second position in which the firstand second members closely confront each other in a folded relationship,and adjustment means in axial alignment with said connecting meanscooperating with said first and second members for fixedly securing andholding said first and second members in said first or second positions,or in any desired intermediate position; said first channelshaped memberhaving slide members received in integrally joined recesses thereof;said slide members having a first position for storing said device and asecond position whereby said device can be supported on the floor whilean infant is in sitting position; said adjustment means including firstand second locking members, each having a central section, and a wingedsection extending therefrom, said first and second winged sections inregister with openings in said first and second members respectively;the angular separation of said first and second Winged actionscorresponding to the angular separation of said first and secondmembers; said first and second central sections interconnected tomaintain the angular separation of their respective winged sections,whereby the desired one of said first, second or intermediate positionsis maintained.

6. A device for supporting an infant or small child in a lying, sittingor intermediate position comprising a first channel-shaped member forsupporting the seat and legs of the infant or child, a secondchannel-shaped member for supporting the back and head of the infant orchild, connecting means pivotally joining adjacent ends of said firstand second members whereby the first and second members can be pivotedto a desired position between a first position in which each member liesin substantially a common plane and a second position in which the firstand second members closely confront each other in a folded relationship,and adjustment means cooperating with said first and second members forfixedly securing and holding said first and second members in said firstor second positions, or in any desired intermediate position; saidadjustment means including registry means cooperatively engagingaperture means at regions of said first and second members displacedfrom their pivotal engagement; one of said cooperatively engaged meanscarried by said first and second members; the registry means andcooperating apertures of one of said members angularly separated fromthe registry means and cooperating apertures of the other of saidmembers; said angular separation corresponding to the angular separationof said first and second members; means maintaining said angularseparation whereby the desired one of said first, second or intermediatepositions is maintained.

7. A device for supporting an infant or small child in a lying, sittingor intermediate position comprising a first channel-shaped member forsupporting the seat and legs of the infant or child, a secondchannel-shaped member for supporting the back and head of the infant orchild, connecting means pivotally joining adjacent ends of said firstand second members whereby the first and second members can be pivotedto a desired position between a first position in which each member liesin substantially a common plane and a second position in which the firstand second members closely confront each other in a folded relationship,and adjustment means cooperating with said first and second members forfixedly securing and holding said first and second members in said firstor second positions, or in any desired intermediate position; saidadjustment means including registry means cooperatively engagingaperture means at regions of said first and second members displacedfrom their pivotal engagement; one of said cooperatively engaged meanscarried by said first and second members; the registry means andcooperating apertures of one of said members angularly separated fromthe registry means and cooperating apertures of the other of saidmembers; said angular separation corresponding to the angular separationof said first and second members; means maintaining said angularseparation whereby the desired one of said first, second or intermediatepositions is maintained; said last-mentioned means having provision foradjustment of said angular separation to another of said first, secondor intermediate positions.

8. A device for supporting an infant or small child in a lying, sittingor intermediate position comprising a first channel-shaped member forsupporting the seat and legs of the infant or child, a secondchannel-shaped memher for supporting the back and head of the infant orchild, connecting means pivotally joining adjacent ends of said firstand second members whereby the first and second members can be pivotedto a desired position between a first position in which each member liesin substantially a common plane and a second position in which the firstand second members closely confront each other in a folded relationship,and adjustment means cooperating with said first and second members forfixedly securing and holding said first and second members in said firstor second positions, or in any desired intermediate position; saidadjustment means including registry means cooperatively engagingaperture means at regions of said first and second members displacedfrom their pivotal engagement; one of said cooperatively engaged meanscarried by said first and second members; the registry means andcooperating apertures of one of said members angularly separated fromthe registry means and cooperating apertures of the other of saidmembers; said angular separation corresponding to the angular separationof said first and second members; means maintaining said angularseparation whereby the desired one of said first, second or intermediatepositions is maintained; the channel portion of said first and secondmembers including integrally formed side flanges, each angularlyextending from the pivotally engaged ends to a maximum heightintermediate the length of its respective member, and then taperingtowards a lesser height at the opposite end of its respective member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS KrauzJuly 8, Young Apr. 14, Leach July 14, Szabo Aug. 4, Meeks Dec. 29, MackFeb. 4, Riddle Apr. 5, Davis Aug. 2, Throssel Nov. 15, Kessler June 27,

FGREIGN PATENTS Italy Mar. 26,

